Miami Graffiti Captures the City's Street Art Scene

A few months ago, New Times editor Chuck Strouse admired Buk Fifty's work above I-95. However, some people didn't think it wasn't as cool as Strouse made it out to seem. Personally, I take more a middle-of-the-road approach. Though defacing signs on I-95 ends up costing the taxpayers money to...

By Jose D. Duran

May 4, 2009

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A few months ago, New Times editor Chuck Strouse admired Buk Fifty's work above I-95. However, some people didn't think it wasn't as cool as Strouse made it out to seem. Personally, I take more a middle-of-the-road approach. Though defacing signs on I-95 ends up costing the taxpayers money to clean up, there is no denying neighborhoods such as Wynwood have greatly benifited from street artists and their work, legal or not. Instead of sun-bleached walls, the area features countless colorful murals that add to its vibrancy.

Photographers James and Karla Murray have captured Miami's graffiti scene and artists in a newly released book titled Miami Graffiti. In it, they've gorgeously documented vivid murals created by locals. Check out some photo excerpts from the book here, and if you want to meet the photographers, they will be a Buck 15 Wednesday night to celebrate its release.

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Jose D. Duran is associate editor of Miami New Times where he primarily oversees the arts and culture and music beats. Jose joined the New Times staff in June 2008 but has been covering Miami culture since 2005. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015. Jose holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Contact: Jose D. Duran

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Twitter: @jose_d_duran